I lost her.

* 25 *

"Rejoice..." I started.
"Mhm?"

Now that Lizelle isn't with us, what do you think of her? ...you know...like if I...kind of propose to her?"
"First of all. You don't kind of propose to a person. You need to be sure."
"Okay. Let's say I definitely want to do it."

Rejoice rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Let me guess. I take it you're ready to wife her?"
I nodded my head.
"Well, I like her a lot. She is different and I approve of her. She is successful. She seems genuine. How long have you been with her, though?"
"Since we were in varsity."
"It's long enough. I'm fine with it, I don't know about mom and dad."
I sighed.

"Tell you what, propose to her. See how she takes it and work on the reaction from mom and dad from here on. It might be for the best."
"I'm taking your word for it."
"So uhm...where is...?" Rejoice asked.
"Courtney?"
"I'm surprised you knew how I was taking about."
"Well..."

Just as I was about to talk about Courtney, Lizelle walked in.
"Hey, guys."
"Hey, Liz. How are you. Come join us." Rejoice smiled.

Well, luckily I don't have to answer about Courtney anymore.

"I think I should leave you two ladies alone?" I smiled.
"Yes, go take care of your own stuff." Rejoice forced me out.

She knew I wanted to go buy the ring and organize the whole proposal for tonight.

-------------------------------------------------------

It was finally it. I told Lizelle we would be having dinner for the last night here. She didn't mind.

The setting was beautiful. Piano, violin players. It was classical. The lights were dimmed and the restaurant looked luxurious.

I walked in with my suit. Lizelle said she'd be down in a few minutes. Women, I knew what she meant. I found my sister and parents sitting altogether. My parents gave me a nod of approval. I see what my sister did there. She let them know and luckily they agreed to it.

I stood at the centre of the restaurant waiting for Lizelle to walk in. It looked like a wedding; like I was a groom waiting for his bride. My parents were beside me.

At long last after the wait, the barman signaled that she was on her way. I signaled for the small orchestra to continue playing.

When she walked through that door, I saw my whole future in her. She was so beautiful in a blue and glowing dress. She held a blue clutch and black peep toe heels.

"Samuel? What is going in here? Why are you just standing here with your family and everyone staring at me?"

"Because...come closer...come closer Liz."

She took baby steps hesitating. She walked until she arrived at the center where I was.

I went down on one knee and she was already gasping with her hand infront of her mouth.

"Miss Lizelle Hunchkins. Will you do me he honour of being my lovely wedded wife? Will you marry me and become Mrs. Samuel Rodgers?"
"Oh my goodness! I will. Yes yes yes a hundred times yes!" she cried.

"Is that a yes, baby?"
"It's a yes, baby!" she squealed with excitement as I slipped the engagement ring on her finger.

Her excitement made me bubble with joy! I didn't want to get married but this is the woman I was going to marry. I think I may have figured it out. Maybe this is why Courtney and I had to split so I could figure out the kind of man I want to be.

The people in the restaurant clapped for us and shared the moment with us. My family was happy, I even saw mom shed a tear. This just had to be the night of my life.